Let’s Get Social!

All too often, we think of the blog that we write for as “our” blog. And, it is. We, as the website owner, have control of the blog. We created it, we operate it, we publish posts on the blog. It is, in fact, ours.

In reality, however, “our” blog shouldn’t be entirely about us. It’s more like a partnership where we have the controlling interest, but our readers have an almost-equal say. After all, if they don’t want to read the posts we add to our blogs, we’ll quickly find ourselves in a deserted area of the Internet filled with virtual tumbleweeds.[Read more…]

In this blog post, I’d like to share with you one of “21 Ways” to launch a successful virtual book tour. This tip comes from “Way #16: Make the Most of Your Blog Posts!”

In essence, your audio, video, and written blog posts are “virtual real estate.” In addition to providing informational, educational, or entertaining content, you can include subtle marketing material. For example, at the end of each of your blog posts, you can include information about yourself along with a compelling reason why people should come to your blog.

Respond to readers’ comments

During your virtual book tour, people will share comments and ask questions. Use this interaction as an opportunity to both illustrate your expertise and build a relationship with your readers. One way to encourage comments is to ask a question at the end of your blog posts. For example, you can ask the readers’ opinion of what you wrote or a specific question. Then respond to their comments. Authors who respond to comments generally get many more comments than those who don’t. This in turn helps with search engine optimization (SEO).

During your virtual book tour, you’ll want to visit each blog multiple times: at least once on the day you’re scheduled to appear there, as well as throughout the tour. These visits will allow you to respond to additional comments.

Add images to your blog posts

Adding images to your blog posts makes them more attractive and engages your readers. Such images will increase the likelihood of people reading through your post and possibly asking a question or sharing a comment. Adding images also makes it easier for people to share your post on Pinterest, thus broadening your reach. Be sure to include a photograph of you smiling with each blog post, as well as an image of your book. These additional steps will grow your branding and allow your readers to identify with you.

Create a Call to Action in your post signature

As part of your book tour, you’ll have the opportunity to build relationships with new readers. Include a call to action in the signature block at the end of each blog post. An example of an effective call to action is an invitation to readers to visit your blog where they can enter their names and email addresses in order to receive a free chapter of your book.

Create a signature template file

Create a template file you can use for each of your posts. To do this, open up a Word document and compose your blog post signature. Typically, this signature block includes 100–150 words, where you can include things like your name, credentials, book title, blog URL, how you help people, and a compelling reason why people should visit your blog. Offering people a free chapter of your book is an excellent strategy. Once you’ve created your signature file, save this as a template so you can easily copy and paste the content to the bottom of each of your blog posts.

Do you have a blog post tip you can share with our readers? Did one of these tips capture your attention? Scroll down and share your thoughts in the comments section below.

This post is being written in honor of a virtual book tour celebrating the publication of my third print book. You can enjoy the festivities by joining us on the tour to 21 blogs, in honor of 21 Ways to Launch a Successful Virtual Book Tour. Scroll down to access the virtual book tour schedule as well as a link to the book on Amazon. Thank you and enjoy!

D’vorah Lansky, M.Ed., is the author of 21 Ways to Launch a Successful Virtual Book Tour. Visit her book blog and check out the full schedule for the virtual book tour, celebrating the launch of this exciting new book: www.VirtualBookTour21Ways.com

D’vorah offers virtual book tour workshops and courses for authors, entrepreneurs, and virtual professionals. She has taught hundreds of people, across the globe, how to conduct successful virtual book tours. You can purchase her newest book on Amazon.